CAA commissioner: No word on VCU moving to A-10

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Colonial Athletic Association Commissioner Tom Yeager said Monday night that he has not been contacted by Virginia Commonwealth University or the Atlantic 10 with any news that the Rams are switching conferences.

VCU has acknowledged considering a change in conference affiliation, but Yeager told The Associated Press from New York City he would think it incumbent on VCU or the Atlantic 10 to call to tell him that a change was coming.

"I presume that would be the protocol," he said.

Pamela D. Lepley, VCU's executive director of university relations, said in a text message to the AP on Monday there was "nothing new to say."

School President Michael Rao and his top advisor did not return phone messages.

Yeager said if the Rams do leave, but remain in the CAA for one more year, league bylaws state they would not be eligible for the conference tournament and would forfeit as much as $5 million in shares due them over the next six years for victories in the NCAA tournament. They also would be leaving a conference that plays its tournament about a mile from VCU's home arena.

George Mason and Old Dominion also have acknowledged considering changing leagues. But George Mason announced Friday that its decided to stay in the CAA. Old Dominion, which is considering moving to Conference USA, has made no announcement of its decision and officials have said they would have no additional comment until a decision has been made.